U.S. Code of Federal Regulations

Regulations most recently checked for updates: Jan 23, 2025

§ 84.122 - Breathing resistance test; minimum requirements.

(a) Resistance to airflow will be measured in the facepiece or mouthpiece of a gas mask mounted on a breathing machine both before and after each test conducted in accordance with §§ 84.124, 84.125, and 84.126, with air flowing at a continuous rate of 85 liters per minute.

(b) The maximum allowable resistance requirements for gas masks are as follows:

Maximum Resistance

[mm. water-column height]

Type of gas mask Inhalation Exhalation
Initial Final 1
Front-mounted or back-mounted (without particulate filter)607520
Front-mounted or back-mounted (with approved particulate filter)708520
Chin-style (without particulate filter)405520
Chin-style (with approved particulate filter)658020
Escape (without particulate filter)607520
Escape (with approved particulate filter)708520

1 Measured at end of the service life specified in Tables 5, 6, and 7 of this subpart.